Code & Mindset Books You Should Read as a Programmer
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The Tech industry is set in a way that we constantly need to inform and educate ourselves. We usually do this online, as we’re used to spending most of our time in front of the computer. However, it’s not good to grab a book in our hands every once in a while to log out of the online world.
Since this does not happen too often, our read has to be really worth it. Check out our curated code & mindset books for you to relax & educate yourself with.
Code
1. The Clean Coder: A Code of Conduct for Professional Programmers by Robert C. Martin
A classic that every programmer needs to read. This book will shape your mind to think like a programmer. It will teach you different techniques that will help you become a programmer that always writes great code. What you will get from this book is an attitude.
This book can be very useful, especially if you’re at the beginning of your career as a programmer and still learning the craft. Robert C. Martin will prepare you to handle conflicts, short deadlines, pressure, burnout, and managers you can’t communicate with. It will basically cover most of the social aspects of the profession.
2. The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master by Andrew Hunt
Another classic that’s being used as a handbook in many programming classes. Here, you won’t find any boring technical stuff that will directly tell you how to solve problems and improve the development process. Instead, you will read some practical critical thinking tips that will make your everyday life easier. All these tips are presented through examples and short stories that will make it easy for you to remember and incorporate these tips into your working. After reading this book, you’ll be able to write flexible code that will be ready to adapt to the needs of your users.
3. Clean Architecture: A Craftsman’s Guide to Software Structure and Design by Robert C. Martin
One more book by legendary software craftsman Robert C. “Uncle Bob” Martin. Here, he will teach you how to improve the structure of your software and achieve great design. He won’t just advise you on how you should approximately do things — he will tell you exactly what to do and how to do it if you want to succeed.
Software architects and system designers — this is your read. This direct book with clear answers will teach you the core principles of software architecture and software design, as well as what is your role as a software architect.
4. Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions & Solutions by Gayle Laakmann McDowell
This is the book that will teach you how to solve problems and prepare you for every single coding interview you’ll have. If you’re struggling with impossible coding interviews, the author knows how you feel. She’s been there both as a software developer and an interviewer.
She’s made a collection of 189 real questions and solutions that companies really ask on interviews. These questions are full of small hints that you’ll be able to uncover after reading this book. The author has also included a part where she advises you on how to prepare for the “soft side” of the interview.
5. Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code by Martin Fowler
In this book, you’ll find very complex topics explained in a very simple way. Fowler will show you various techniques of refactoring software, making it easy for you to understand even if you’re at the very beginning of your programming career.
Mindset
1. Soft Skills: The Software Developer’s Life Manual by John Z. Sonmez
That famous work-life balance no one seems to hack. Just when you thought you got it right, something happens and kicks you out of the track. Let’s face it — you’ll probably never crack the perfect work-life balance, but this book can help you get close to it. The author understands your view of a software developer, giving you clear advice on how to handle life. Career, personal finance, productivity, investing, relationships, dealing with clients, coping with managers, and even fitness, are some of the topics this book covers.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Although it seems like most programmers just sit in front of their computers and talk to no one, communication and social skills are essentials of this profession. This book offers tips on how to get people to like you and cooperate with you. However, this isn’t one of those cliché books with manipulation techniques on how to get enemies on your side. This book helps you gain more friends by becoming a better person yourself. It can simply make working with other people easier.
3. The Big Thing: How to Complete Your Creative Project Even if You’re a Lazy, Self-Doubting Procrastinator Like Me by Phillis Korkki
We all have those lazy days when we feel like binge-watching a TV show and doing nothing. What’s tricky is that those days can sometimes last a little longer than we expect them to. And here you are, with that big idea in your head, keeping it for months, maybe even years. But every time you think about it, there’s something else and it’s never the right time. This book will encourage you to pursue that big thing in your head, no matter how big it is. Procrastination is sometimes okay, but the time will come when you’ll have to take action.
4. Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck
Having skills and talent is great, but not enough most of the times. What matters is our mindset — have we put limits to it? If yes, then we won’t come a long way in our careers. If it’s growth-oriented — we’re on the right track! Carol Dweck will show you why a simple idea about the brain is more important than IQ and abilities.
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